ovarian cancer : Ovarian cancer tests
Currently, there is no specific screening test for ovarian cancer. However, research is ongoing to develop a reliable method for early detection among asymptomatic women (see news stories, in Related Pages below). In the meantime, regular physicals, pelvic exams, and an awareness of family history and symptoms are important.
Testing of symptomatic women includes the following, which have been shown to be positive in ovarian cancer (although not all of these tests would be used in an individual patient as they detect different types of ovarian tumors):
Epithelial tumors
CA-125 (Cancer antigen 125)
BRCA-1 and BRCA-2
Carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA)
Galactosyltranferase
Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA)
Germ cell tumors
AFP (Alpha feto protein)
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Stromal tumors
Inhibin
Other non-laboratory tests that are used to evaluate abnormalities include:
Ultrasound (pelvic and/or transvaginal): uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries. It can help determine whether an ovarian growth is likely to be a cancer or a fluid-filled cyst.
CT scan (computerized tomography)
X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract
copyright U.S. National Library of Medicine,
Testing of symptomatic women includes the following, which have been shown to be positive in ovarian cancer (although not all of these tests would be used in an individual patient as they detect different types of ovarian tumors):
Epithelial tumors
CA-125 (Cancer antigen 125)
BRCA-1 and BRCA-2
Carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA)
Galactosyltranferase
Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA)
Germ cell tumors
AFP (Alpha feto protein)
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Stromal tumors
Inhibin
Other non-laboratory tests that are used to evaluate abnormalities include:
Ultrasound (pelvic and/or transvaginal): uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries. It can help determine whether an ovarian growth is likely to be a cancer or a fluid-filled cyst.
CT scan (computerized tomography)
X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract
copyright U.S. National Library of Medicine,
ovarian cancer : It Whispers, So Listen
Ovarian cancer is the biggest killer amongst all of the female cancers. Nearly 80% of those treated for ovarian cancer will experience a recurrence. The chances of death within the first five years of treatment is nearly 50%, no matter if it is stage 2,3, or 4. These grim statistics are now a reality for my own life. I am an ovarian cancer survivor.
One reason ovarian cancer is so deadly is because it is very difficult to detect. Often, by the time it is diagnosed, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. There is no reliable screening for ovarian cancer like there is for breast cancer and cervical cancer. It can only be detected through an exam by an Ob/Gyn. So, it is important for all women to make an effort to get those yearly exams.
There is a tumor marker,CA-125, in the blood that may show the presence of ovarian cancer. It is not used as a screening procedure because it is not reliable enough. However, in cases where a woman is at a high risk, the CA-125 marker may be used to alert a Dr. for further testing.
A woman's worst nightmare is the diagnosis of cancer. Yet, early detection is the best way to prevent any cancer from spreading and growing. Take care of yourself and take the time to get your yearly exam. It could save your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Wensink
One reason ovarian cancer is so deadly is because it is very difficult to detect. Often, by the time it is diagnosed, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. There is no reliable screening for ovarian cancer like there is for breast cancer and cervical cancer. It can only be detected through an exam by an Ob/Gyn. So, it is important for all women to make an effort to get those yearly exams.
There is a tumor marker,CA-125, in the blood that may show the presence of ovarian cancer. It is not used as a screening procedure because it is not reliable enough. However, in cases where a woman is at a high risk, the CA-125 marker may be used to alert a Dr. for further testing.
A woman's worst nightmare is the diagnosis of cancer. Yet, early detection is the best way to prevent any cancer from spreading and growing. Take care of yourself and take the time to get your yearly exam. It could save your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Wensink
